Difference between “Kinds”, “Types” and “Sorts”

The Difference Between “Kinds,” “Types,” and “Sorts”: Everything You Need to Know

When talking about the variety of things, the words “kinds,” “types,” and “sorts” are often used interchangeably. While their meanings are similar, subtle differences in usage depend on the context. For example:

• I like many different types of books.
• All sorts of people attend this event – students, teachers, artists…
• This café serves five different kinds of coffee.

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Asking Questions

When forming questions, these words are usually used in their singular form:

• What kind of food do you like?
• What type of movies do you enjoy?
• What sort of problems do you usually solve?

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Formality and Word Choice

The choice between these words often depends on the level of formality:

• “Type” is considered the most formal and is used when referring to specific categories.
  • What type of smartphone do you use?
    (Answer: It’s an iPhone / Samsung / Huawei.)
• “Kind” and “sort” are more common in everyday speech and describe broader categories:
  • What kind of books do you like?
    (Answer: I like mystery novels and science fiction.)

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Informal Usage

In conversational English, “kind of” and “sort of” are often used to mean “a little” or “partially.” These phrases are frequently pronounced as “kinda” and “sorta”:

• This movie is kinda boring.
• I’m sorta thinking about staying home tonight.

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Why Is It Important to Know the Difference?

Understanding the differences between “kinds,” “types,” and “sorts” helps you choose the right word depending on the situation—formal or informal. Additionally, it enables you to create more precise and nuanced language constructions, significantly improving your English communication skills.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each word’s features to help you use them confidently in both spoken and written English.

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💡 The Word “Types” and Its Usage

The word “type” means “kind,” “category,” or “class” and is used to classify things with clearly defined characteristics. In its plural form, “types” refers to multiple categories, emphasizing the diversity of objects or phenomena.

Grammar of “Types”

• Singular (type):
  Used when referring to a single category or class.
  • This type of technology is becoming more popular.
• Plural (types):
  Used when discussing several categories.
  • There are many types of animals in this zoo.

Usage

• Formal Contexts:
  The word “type(s)” is considered more formal compared to “kind(s)” and is often used in technical, scientific, or professional settings.
• Clearly Defined Categories:
  “Type” is ideal for situations that require specific classification:
  • What type of vehicle is that?
  • This type of fabric is resistant to water.
• Professional and Academic Settings:
  Frequently used to describe scientific categories or technical specifications:
  • There are several types of cells in the human body.
  • This software supports multiple types of files.
• With “of”:
  Like “kind,” the word “type” is always followed by “of” when describing a category:
  • What type of books do you prefer?
  • This type of question is common in exams.
• Formal Communication:
  “Type” is commonly used in official documents, reports, and presentations where clarity and precision are important.

Examples in Sentences

• What type of software do you use for video editing?
• Different types of plants grow in this region.
• This type of problem requires a creative solution.
• There are two main types of engines: petrol and diesel.

Unlike “kind(s),” the word “type(s)” highlights a more formal and technical approach to classification. It plays a crucial role in scientific and business English, allowing for precise descriptions of objects, phenomena, or processes.

Use “type(s)” when discussing clearly defined categories or in more formal situations. This word helps make your English structured and professional, ensuring accurate and concise communication.

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🎯 The Word “Sorts” and Its Usage

The word “sort” means “variety,” “kind,” or “type” and is used to classify objects or people based on shared characteristics. In its plural form, “sorts” refers to multiple varieties or categories.

Grammar of “Sorts”

• Singular (sort):
  Used to refer to one variety or category.
  • This sort of behavior is unacceptable.
• Plural (sorts):
  Used when discussing several varieties.
  • There are many sorts of flowers in this garden.

Usage

• Informal English:
  “Sort(s)” is commonly used in informal English to describe varieties or categories, often in general contexts.
• With “of”:
  Like “kind(s)” and “type(s),” “sort(s)” is always followed by “of” when describing a category:
  • What sort of music do you enjoy?
  • This sort of weather is typical in autumn.
• For General Description:
  “Sort(s)” can be used to describe a broad range of things or people:
  • She enjoys all sorts of activities, from hiking to painting.
• In Informal English:
  “Sort(s)” is often used to emphasize a wide range of options:
  • There are all sorts of people at this event.
• With Adjectives for Specifics:
  Adjectives can be used with “sort(s)” to provide further details:
  • Different sorts of books appeal to different readers.

Examples in Sentences

• What sort of food do you prefer?
• There are many sorts of shoes in this store.
• I’ve tried all sorts of diets, but none of them worked for me.
• That sort of problem can’t be solved quickly.

In informal English, “sort” can also be used to mean “approximately” or “kind of”:

• I’m sort of tired today.
• It’s sort of like a puzzle, but more challenging.

The word “sort(s)” is ideal for describing varieties in informal situations and is often used for broad generalizations. Understanding how to use it will help you express yourself better in conversational English.

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Key Differences Between the Words “Kinds,” “Types,” and “Sorts”

Although the words kinds, types, and sorts can be used as synonyms, there are several differences in their meanings, stylistic usage, and context.

1. Level of Formality

• Types – The most formal word, often used in scientific, technical, or business contexts.
  • What type of documents are required for the application?
• Kinds – Less formal, but frequently used in written language and conversational situations.
  • I like all kinds of music.
• Sorts – The most informal and widely used in everyday conversation.
  • There are all sorts of books in the library.

2. Context of Use

• Types – Emphasizes clear or defined categories that can be easily classified.
  • What type of battery does this device use?
• Kinds – Often used for generalizing categories and may carry an emotional tone.
  • This kind of weather makes me happy.
• Sorts – Primarily used to describe broad or general categories, often without clear boundaries.
  • She has tried all sorts of diets.

3. Generalization vs. Specificity

• Types – Typically refers to precise, detailed categories.
• Kinds – Covers general categories.
• Sorts – Encompasses different varieties, not always with clear boundaries.

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Table of Differences Between “Kinds,” “Types,” and “Sorts”

Feature	Kinds	Types	Sorts
Formality	Neutral	Most formal	Informal
Context	General categories	Clear and defined categories	Broad, general categories
Usage Example	I enjoy all kinds of art.	What type of phone do you have?	There are all sorts of people at the event.
Language Application	Suitable for both written and spoken language	Used in business or technical contexts	Used in informal English
Frequency of Use	Very common	Moderately common	Very common in conversation

 

General Conclusion

• Use “types” when you need to clearly define or classify objects.
• Use “kinds” when speaking generally about categories, especially in conversation.
• Use “sorts” when you want to give your statement a lighter, informal tone.

💪 Practical Tips for Using “Types,” “Kinds,” and “Sorts”

When to Use “Types”

• In professional settings
• In technical documentation
• When precise classification is required
• In scientific texts

When to Use “Kinds”

• In everyday conversation
• When describing general categories
• In informal writing
• For emotional connotations

When to Use “Sorts”

• In informal conversations
• In British English
• For general descriptions
• In conversational style